A fine day greeted us as we prepared for our New Years Eve showdown with local rivals Boroughbridge . A large and vocal crowd was out in force to see who would earn the bragging rights in this eagerly awaited derby . Bridge were obviously taking the game very seriously as they made two last minute signings shortly before kick off . Ex Leeds United prospect Craig Rampling and Harrogate Railway’s Dan Thirkell were drafted in . Unfortunately a last minute attempt to sign Wayne Rooney narrowly failed and they had to make do with the Jones , Lancaster , Uffindall forward line .

Ripon did not resort to such tactits and Charlie put faith in his tried and tested squad . Which as the outcome suggests was the correct decision . The game got underway and right from the off the pace and tempo was very high as both teams tried to find an early opening .

The first real chance fell to Ripon on the five minute mark . Daz Simpson picked the ball up in his own half and ran at the ‘bridge defence . His pass picked out Ben Cohen who turned and fired a low shot passed Diamond in the ‘bridge goal . 1-0 and for once Ripon scored the all important first goal . Both teams continued to create chances with the impressive Rampling causing all sorts of problems for the Ripon defence . A good ball into the box was well saved by Mark Rimmer and you felt that the next goal would be crucial .

Twenty minutes into the first half and a  good move down Ripon’s right between Matty Foster and Tom Leeming led to a Ripon free kick . The ball was floated into the ‘bridge penalty area and Luke Robinson was first to react and found the net from close range . 2-0 to Ripon and the visitors could not have hoped for a better start .

As the half progressed ’bridge started to get a foot hold in the match . Dan Thirkell was able to make some telling passes , however the ‘bridge forwards were getting no change from James Mason who was in inspired form . When they did find a way on goal Mark Rimmer was there with a couple of excellent saves to keep the score line at 2-0 going into the break .

During the half time interval all the talk was about who Boroughbridge would sign next in the January transfer window with the names of Torres and Howson being mentioned !!! They certainly started the second half like they meant business and it was only minutes before the Ripon lead was cut . The ball broke loose in midfield and a perfect cross found the dangerous Rampling who fired in an unstoppable shot that cut the visitors lead to 2-1 . Game on and the home support were now in good voice anticipating an equaliser to be just around the corner .

Not to be !! Ripon went on the attack and found themselves 3-1 up on fifty minutes as the lively Luke Robinson found the net for the second time . Ripon were now very much the team incharge . They started to dominate the midfield with Daz Simpson and Adam Robinson working well and closing down the ‘bridge attacks . At the back the defence was looking solid allowing Tom Leeming and Duncan Terry to get forward at every opportunity .

The fourth goal was the clincher . Ben Cohen laid the ball back to Matty Foster who provided a pin point accurate cross to the head of Luke Robinson who made no mistake  to glance the ball past the oncoming keeper . 4-1 and Ripon were in dreamland .

Charlie started to ring the changes with the hardworking Leeming and Terry being replaced by James Charlesworth and Kyle Baldwin . Chances were being created with ‘bridge leaving gaps at the back as they looked for a second goal that may get them back into the game . This almost came when an Uffidall chance was cleared off the line by Mason . Ben Cohen was denied a stonewall penalty as the on rushing Diamond cleaned out the player with the ball no where near . The Ripon bench looked on in total disbelief as the Referee waived play on with Ben Cohen lying in a heap on the ground .

With ten minutes to go the tireless Adam Robinson was replaced in midfield by Jordan Emsley . His first job was to fire in a wicked free kick which beat the ‘bridge defence . In the scramble that ensued it was James Charlesworth who got the final touch to make it 5-1 .

Game over , however Ripon could have increased their lead even more as Kyle Baldwin had a close range attempt excellently saved by the keeper right on ninety minutes . An excellent victory which sent the away support to the bar in great spirits .

Ripon to a man put in quality performances and it would be easy to award the man of the match (my opinion only!!) to Luke Robinson for his outstanding three goals . However on this occasion i am going to side with James Mason who was superb at the heart of the Ripon defence along with the excellent Tim Edney .

Ripon now move into 2012 sitting sixth in the League . With three away games and only one at home January will be a difficult month . But if the same fight and determination are shown then only a positive outcome will be on the cards . Fitness wise Ripon certainly look a class act with the Sergent Major style of Paul Vincent certainly knocking them into shape !!

Charlie has assembled an excellent squad with a combination of good local talent , up and coming young players , Pateley Bridge rejects and Duncan Terry !!!  The signs look promising for 2012  with a  Cup Final to look forward to and good league position on the cards as well .

A word to our hosts . It was a game played in very good spirits and the atmosphere in the bar was an excellent way to prepare for the New Year festivities . A third and very important match is next on the cards as both teams will face each other in the Whithwoth Cup Final with ‘bridge looking to make amends for today’s defeat . Bridge battled right to the final whistle which is a credit to the Club and in the new signing of Craig Rampling could have the find of the season !!

Team 4-4-2 .

Rimmer , Foster , Mason , Edney, McGlinchey ,Leeming , Adam Robinson , Simpson , Terry , Luke Robinson and Cohen .

Subs . Baldwin , Charlesworth and Emsley .

Unused Subs . Tyson and Emmett .